Purview of Section 17(1) under Consumer Protection Act

Imagine you're at the street food stall near your college, and the vada pav seller makes you eat a spoiled vada. You'd be furious, right? But what if the vada pav guy is a street vendor without a proper stall, just a cart on the side of the road? According to Section 17(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, the purview of the Act doesn't cover vendors who sell goods not in pursuance of a trade or commerce. Think of it like a small-time cricketer playing a casual match with friends. The competition is not at a professional level, so the rules of the game (CPA) don't apply. It's a tricky concept because what constitutes 'trade' or 'commerce' can be subjective. Just remember, if it's a big-time operation, be it a cricket league or a shopping mall, consumer protection rules kick in.